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Patterns of Problem Behavior in Relation to Thriving and Precocious Behavior in Late Adolescence

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Abstract

Several studies have indicated that an early onset of delinquent and problem behaviors is associated with a greater risk of subsequent behavioral and mental health problems. This study builds on that literature by examining histories of behavior problems in relation to indicators of thriving and precocious behavior during late adolescence. Using longitudinal data from 289 high-risk adolescents, participants were classified according to their problem behavior histories at ages 15 and 19. Findings indicated that although some adolescents experienced decline over time in their overt behavior problems, those youth showed fewer indicators of thriving when compared to adolescents with no history of behavior problems. Youth with an earlier onset of behavior problems also evinced an increased risk for precocious behavior. Gender differences and implications for prevention through youth development programming are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the Prevention Research Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health (R01-MH49381), the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (96ASPE278A), and the Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (90-CA-1631). The findings and statements contained in this article are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or perspectives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, or the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Zielinski’s work on this article occurred prior to his joining the National Institute of Mental Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA

    Mary I. Campa & John Eckenrode

  2. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Catherine P. Bradshaw

  3. National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

    David S. Zielinski

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  1. Mary I. Campa
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  2. Catherine P. Bradshaw
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  3. John Eckenrode
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  4. David S. Zielinski
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Correspondence to Mary I. Campa.

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Campa, M.I., Bradshaw, C.P., Eckenrode, J. et al. Patterns of Problem Behavior in Relation to Thriving and Precocious Behavior in Late Adolescence. J Youth Adolescence 37, 627–640 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-007-9235-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-007-9235-x

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